Celebrities Mourn the Death of Chadwick Boseman: "His Legacy Will Live On Forever"

"I am shocked and devastated. A beautiful human being who I was only just getting to know. A powerful talent and voice and a kind, gentle person. He was leading a revolutionary moment in the MCU and in cinema… and to think he gave us all that great work while going through all that... nothing short of phenomenal. In this moment, it feels like we've lost a friend and an inspiration. But like T'Challa and Wakanda and their salute that reverberates around the world so the true power of Chadwick Boseman will live on. But boy will we all miss you."

"Before sharing my thoughts on the passing of the great Chadwick Boseman, I first offer my condolences to his family who meant so very much to him. To his wife, Simone, especially.

"I inherited Marvel and the Russo Brothers' casting choice of T'Challa. It is something that I will forever be grateful for. The first time I saw Chad's performance as T'Challa, it was in an unfinished cut of Captain America: Civil War. I was deciding whether or not directing Black Panther was the right choice for me. I'll never forget, sitting in an editorial suite on the Disney Lot and watching his scenes. His first with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, then, with the South African cinema titan, John Kani as T'Challa's father, King T'Chaka. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to make this movie. After Scarlett's character leaves them, Chad and John began conversing in a language I had never heard before. It sounded familiar, full of the same clicks and smacks that young black children would make in the States. The same clicks that we would often be chided for being disrespectful or improper. But, it had a musicality to it that felt ancient, powerful, and African.

"In my meeting after watching the film, I asked Nate Moore, one of the producers of the film, about the language. 'Did you guys make it up?' Nate replied, 'that's Xhosa, John Kani's native language. He and Chad decided to do the scene like that on set, and we rolled with it.' I thought to myself. 'He just learned lines in another language, that day?' I couldn't conceive how difficult that must have been, and even though I hadn't met Chad, I was already in awe of his capacity as [an] actor.

"I learned later that there was much conversation over how T'Challa would sound in the film. The decision to have Xhosa be the official language of Wakanda was solidified by Chad, a native of South Carolina, because he was able to learn his lines in Xhosa, there on the spot. He also advocated for his character to speak with an African accent, so that he could present T'Challa to audiences as an African king, whose dialect had not been conquered by the West.

"I finally met Chad in person in early 2016, once I signed onto the film. He snuck past journalists that were congregated for a press junket I was doing for Creed, and met with me in the green room. We talked about our lives, my time playing football in college, and his time at Howard studying to be a director, about our collective vision for T'Challa and Wakanda. We spoke about the irony of how his former Howard classmate Ta-Nehisi Coates was writing T'Challa's current arc with Marvel Comics. And how Chad knew Howard student Prince Jones, who's murder by a police officer inspired Coates' memoir Between The World and Me.

"I noticed then that Chad was an anomaly. He was calm. Assured. Constantly studying. But also kind, comforting, had the warmest laugh in the world, and eyes that seen much beyond his years, but could still sparkle like a child seeing something for the first time.

"That was the first of many conversations. He was a special person. We would often speak about heritage and what it means to be African. When preparing for the film, he would ponder every decision, every choice, not just for how it would reflect on himself, but how those choices could reverberate. 'They not ready for this, what we are doing . . .' 'This is Star Wars, this is Lord of the Rings, but for us . . . and bigger!' He would say this to me while we were struggling to finish a dramatic scene, stretching into double overtime. Or while he was covered in body paint, doing his own stunts. Or crashing into frigid water, and foam landing pads. I would nod and smile, but I didn't believe him. I had no idea if the film would work. I wasn't sure I knew what I was doing. But I look back and realize that Chad knew something we all didn't. He was playing the long game. All while putting in the work. And work he did.

"He would come to auditions for supporting roles, which is not common for lead actors in big budget movies. He was there for several M'Baku auditions. In Winston Duke's, he turned a chemistry read into a wrestling match. Winston broke his bracelet. In Letitia Wright's audition for Shuri, she pierced his royal poise with her signature humor, and would bring about a smile to T'Challa's face that was 100% Chad.

"While filming the movie, we would meet at the office or at my rental home in Atlanta, to discuss lines and different ways to add depth to each scene. We talked costumes, military practices. He said to me 'Wakandans have to dance during the coronations. If they just stand there with spears, what separates them from Romans?' In early drafts of the script. Eric Killmonger's character would ask T'Challa to be buried in Wakanda. Chad challenged that and asked, 'What if Killmonger asked to be buried somewhere else?'

"Chad deeply valued his privacy, and I wasn't privy to the details of his illness. After his family released their statement, I realized that he was living with his illness the entire time I knew him. Because he was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity and pride, he shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a beautiful life. And he made great art. Day after day, year after year. That was who he was. He was an epic firework display. I will tell stories about being there for some of the brilliant sparks till the end of my days. What an incredible mark he's left for us.

"I haven't grieved a loss this acute before. I spent the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren't destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won't be able to watch another close-up of him in the monitor again or walk up to him and ask for another take.

"It hurts more to know that we can't have another conversation, or Facetime, or text message exchange. He would send vegetarian recipes and eating regimens for my family and me to follow during the pandemic. He would check in on me and my loved ones, even as he dealt with the scourge of cancer.

"In African cultures we often refer to loved ones that have passed on as ancestors. Sometimes you are genetically related. Sometimes you are not. I had the privilege of directing scenes of Chad's character, T'Challa, communicating with the ancestors of Wakanda. We were in Atlanta, in an abandoned warehouse, with bluescreens, and massive movie lights, but Chad's performance made it feel real. I think it was because from the time that I met him, the ancestors spoke through him. It's no secret to me now how he was able to skillfully portray some of our most notable ones. I had no doubt that he would live on and continue to bless us with more. But it is with a heavy heart and a sense of deep gratitude to have ever been in his presence, that I have to reckon with the fact that Chad is an ancestor now. And I know that he will watch over us, until we meet again."

On Aug. 29, Spike spoke about Chadwick and his performance as Stormin' Norman in the film Da 5 Bloods. "We filmed Da 5 Bloods in Thailand, and it was hot, jungles, mountains, and Chadwick was there with us all the way," Spike said at the start of his annual Brooklyn ♥ MJ block party for Michael Jackson's birthday. "I never, ever suspected that anything was wrong....Chadwick, a trooper, never complained. He was there every single minute in the moment. And his performance is a testament to what he put into that role, and all his roles." He then reflected on one of the film's final scenes in which Chadwick sings Marvin Gaye's "God Is Love." He added, "That scene got me when we were shooting it. Watching that again this morning just tore me up. Miss you, Chadwick."

Spike also paid homage to Chadwick in a series of Instagram posts. "Stormin' Norman In That Heavenly Light. MR. CHADWICK BOSEMAN.💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿," he captioned a snap of Chadwick in character. He shared another photo of the cast applauding Chadwick after wrapping Da 5 Bloods. "Da Bloods Salute Mr. BOSEMAN As He Finished His Pivotal Role As Stormin' Norman. God Bless🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜," Spike wrote.

"He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career. God bless Chadwick Boseman."

"Peace King... Thank you for your extraordinary work, your exemplary character and leadership. Love you Brother. 🤲🏿."

"Rest in great power."

"I'll always remember watching Chadwick in 42. Barack and I were alone in the White House, on a weekend night with the girls away. I was so profoundly moved by the rawness and emotion in the barrier-breaking story. And not long after, when he came to meet with young people in the State Dining Room, I saw that Chadwick's brilliance on screen was matched by a warmth and sincerity in person.

"There's a reason he could play Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and King T'Challa with such captivating depth and honesty. He, too, knew what it meant to truly persevere. He, too, knew that real strength starts inside. And he, too, belongs right there with them as a hero—for Black kids and for all of our kids. There's no better gift with which to grace our world. ❤️."

"I hate to hear news like this, it makes me sick to my stomach. I've met Mr. ChadWick on numerous occasions, he always took time to speak with me - Such a wonderful, humble spirit. His LEGACY will live on FOREVER!

"Praying his family finds peace that surpasses all understanding ❤️

"Rest in eternal peace ❤️🙏🏿."

"What a great loss this is. Only had the pleasure of meeting him briefly. Love and prayers going out to all of Chadwick's friends and family. The impact you've made is immeasurable and it will last for generations. You will live on as a symbol of TRUE strength and perseverance. Rest Easy. Rest Well. You will be missed.❤️."

"May god bless you and carry you home @chadwickboseman. We lost one of the greats today. His legacy will live on forever in his beloved films and in the heart of everyone who loved him."

"I don't have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed. 🤜🏿🤛🏿"

"This is so heartbreaking... 💔."

"Absolutely HEARTBREAKING. wow. RIP 😔💔💔💔🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽."

"F*ck this yr. He was battling stage four cancer while being our superhero. And to think people made fun of him for the weight loss. The tongue is a powerful weapon. Be wise in how you use it. Hoping he never doubted his royalty. Praying for his family. Long live the king. #ripChadwick."

"I am absolutely floored. Such an amazing, beautiful person. 🖤 RIP Brother. @chadwickboseman."

"Truly a gentleman superstar on screen and in life. Pure excellence and class and grace."

"What a gentle gifted SOUL. Showing us all that Greatness in between surgeries and chemo. The courage, the strength, the Power it takes to do that. This is what Dignity looks like."

"At a complete loss of words. One of the nicest people I've had the privilege to share space with. Always supportive. More than just out favorite superhero. 💔 I am sending love and light to his family and friends."

"What a gift he was to all of us out here in the dark- watching him listen was more enrapturing than watching others with endless words to say. What an immeasurable loss. Rest in Power. 💔."

"Here's to an incredible man with immeasurable talent, who leaned into life despite his personal battle behind the scenes. May we take this as a reminder that you never truly know what the people around you might be going through - treat them with kindness, and cherish every minute you have together. RIP #ChadwickBoseman."

"Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family."

"JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I.......SO MUCH‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾"

"A round of Applause for Mr. Chadwick Boseman. Well done, King. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾."

"Please Jesus please... I know you know what's best... but at this moment our hearts are writhing with so much pain... so to lose this beautiful black king renders me weak...please watch over his family and loved ones.... @chadwickboseman you have touched the lives of all of us... u will forever be remembered in the highest regard... REST IN POWER! our black king! Our black panther! 💔💔💔."

"Two angels. ❤️❤️❤️💔. Rest well Chadwick."

"You've gotta be f*cking kidding me. F*ck this f*cked up ass year. Praying for all of your loved ones. Praying for us. Black people - feel what you feel, take care of each other. Hold space for self. For love. For grief. I know - we already were in grieving, this whole f*cking year. I'm posting mental health resources. Be real - we are f*cking DRAINED, exhausted, enraged, depressed, and resilient and magical and HUMAN. We are allowed to be all of everything humanity entails - despite what this anti-Black society tells us. We can't catch a f*cking break. And f*ck anybody who says don't make this about race. F*CK YOU. Unfortunately, We can't separate our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health from the detrimental influence of white supremacy. It doesn't take a break! F*CK ALL OF THIS SH*T.

"Chadwick Boseman, I pray you are at peace and I'm heartbroken you are gone but I'm grateful you got the f*ck out of here. I know you are in a better place - a place of power. You are now among the ancestors, in each of our hearts, behind us, in front of us, underneath us, above us, empowering us to move forward, empowering us to tear down oppression, empowering us to build a better world, telling us when to rest, comforting us when we cry, guiding us toward healing. Thank you for your essence. Thank you for your presence. #ChadwickBoseman ✊🏽🖤."

"Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years."

"Rest In Paradise King 👑! #TheHellWith2020 #FCancer."

"Chadwick.....no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity........It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you....Rest well prince...May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you! 💛💛💛

"My heart cannot take 2020! Please God no more!!!"

"I'm sure this sentiment will be echo'd, and deservedly so. I feel inclined to say my heart aches with this news. Boseman was one of the g'ones. Obviously incredibly talented, had an old school/old soul approach to the work. I simply signed onto the film bc i admired his work...but getting to know him throughout the shoot off screen is where he truly shined. He was gracious and genuine. Truly listened. Cared. And not a false bone in his body. He would constantly check in and see if there was anything he could do throughout the shoot to facilitate, all without motive. Just there to help.

"I remember walking off set after the first day and we chatted and I started to joke about how I didn't have the accent where I wanted it yet...he just listened. The next day we had our dialect coach waiting for us. They say there's just certain people that have that inexplicable charisma... the intangibles..he had those in spades.

"Our last few moments we joked n said we gotta do something together.. maybe more than 1 scene :) I told him I'd love nothin' more and I'll hold him to it.

"I look back and I'm grateful for the time we had. The laughs, chatting about the work, how I'd rib him to 'go get some rest... something tells me you'll be busy for a long time:)'

"He just flashed that ridiculous smile and with only his grace, just nodded.

"He truly was one of the good ones.

"He's passed way too soon, he's left such an indeliable mark in such a short time.

"Truly wont be forgotten."

"This is horrific. Cancer is horrific. Chadwick Boseman defied the odds of his disease and gifted us with so many great characters all while suffering the darkness and pain of cancer. Rest In Peace to this King 💔."

"😢 😢 Rest In Heaven 👑."

"This is too heartbreaking. Gone way too soon. 💔rip."

"Our King. Rest in power.🖤"

"R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman

"THERE ARE NO WORDS! I AM SPEECHLESS. You've inspired a generation of young black youth to discover their roots & reminded us all that we are ROYALTY! Thank you for leaving your mark & making a real difference. I leave you with the words of this brilliant young man as he breathed life into the students during his commencement speech at Howard University. Rest well brother. Rest well. 'This day, when you have reached the hill top and you are deciding on next jobs, next steps, careers, further education, you would rather find purpose than a job or career. Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill. Whatever you choose for a career path, remember, the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose..... I don't know what your future is, but if you are willing to take the harder way, the more complicated one, the one with more failures at first than successes, the one that has ultimately proven to have more meaning, more victory, more glory then you will not regret it. Now, this is your time. I love you' @ChadwickBoseman."

"Every time we crossed paths with you, you were kindest, chill, and most peaceful person. It's truly so sad to hear what's happened. Heaven has gained another angel. Rest in Paradise #Chadwick 🙏🏽."

"Thank you for lifting us. Rest in Power, King."

"There was so much about Chadwick that I admired and looked up to. He was already an icon. Both as a person that stood for something and a performer that brought us together. ⁣
⁣
"What a hard-working, lovely man. The fact that he took on such a difficult battle for so long without people knowing is a testament to his grace and commitment to craft. He was an exceptional talent, and more than worthy of the timeless heroes he portrayed. His legacy will forever be one of strength, courage, and inspiration. ⁣
⁣
"Rest in all the power you gave to the world, Chadwick. May it forever find its way back to the ones you loved."

"Sending so much love to his family ❤️ Sitting in gratitude for his light, his art, and his dedication to US and our community- on and off screen. With his grace, his presence, his characters, he reflected our beauty and power. He made our blackness a global celebration. He expanded my realm of possibility and showed us just how big we can dream ❤️ Rest in Power."

"I can't believe he's gone."

"To the Black Panther himself: We will always celebrate you! We'll always stand in applause in your honor. I will show my future children your work and my son(s) will see themselves as Kings through you!!! Thank you for your earthside legacy. Now your angel promotion has begun. We love you 🕊."

"A kind man, a generous man, and a bright shining light in the world. You will be missed my friend.✊🏾@chadwickboseman."

"Yes this was our king. Not because we served him or because he ruled. But because of how he served us in everything he did. He played a hero on screen and lived like one in real life. From South Carolina to South Africa he made so many of us proud of who we are and for that he will always be our king. Hamba kahle Chadwick...Sizoku bona phambili. 📷: @imseangallagher."

"Words fail to express the feeling. So unfair. Thank you for all that you brought to this world, you left a huge mark 🖤."